The Estonian multinational mobility company Bolt is introducing 1,200 new e-scooters in Brussels. The Bolt 7 features a built-in screen with navigation guidance, and three AI applications will also help address inappropriate riding behavior.
Eventually, the entire Bolt fleet of 4,000 shared e-scooters in Brussels will be replace. “We’re not just renewing our fleet; we’re introducing technology for safer streets, clearer instructions for users, and we’re giving cities tools to better manage shared mobility,” says Alexis Hiernaux of Bolt Benelux.
Driving on sidewalk more difficult
The new Bolt 7, the previous model, the Bolt 6, was introduced in 2023, features a built-in, relatively large screen on the handlebars. The rider can view turn-by-turn directions and speed on the screen, and it can display local alerts, such as warnings about hazardous weather conditions.
This means you can focus better on the road, so its put an end to the constant fumbling with smartphones while driving – which is technically prohibited but many users still do it anyway.
The Bolt 7 also has a headlight that is four times brighter than previous models, and the brakes have been improved as well. It also has a slightly lower handlebar, making it more comfortable and accessible to a wider range of users.
But perhaps most notable is the AI technology used to address the two most common complaints about shared e-scooters: riding on the sidewalk and illegal parking.
If a user rides onto the sidewalk, the e-scooter emits a warning signal first. If the user continues, the device automatically slows down. In certain areas, the e-scooter can also detect pedestrians nearby.
In addition, the Bolt 7 can also recognize drop-off zones. users are guided on the screen to the appropriate parking zones, and the system alerts them when they enter a restricted-speed zone, such as a pedestrian zone.
Next goal: Self-driving cars
Alongside Dott, Bolt is one of two providers of shared e-scooters in the capital, where the e-scooter market has been heavily regulated in recent years. Brussels is also the first Belgian city to introduce the Bolt 7, in addition to rollouts in Germany and Switzerland.
In addition to micromobility, rides, and meal and grocery delivery, Bolt also offers carsharing. It operates in more than 850 cities across over 50 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Bolt is also working on a partnership with Pony.ai and Stellantis for self-driving cars in Europe, and an initial public offering (IPO) is in the works. Bolt aims to have approximately 100,000 autonomous vehicles on its platform by 2035.
